Catholic communion defended against both extremes, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…Catholick communion defended against both extreams, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…

I. I do it much for my own Edification: And who can prove my Edification unlawful? There is so sound judicious preaching in my Parish-Church where I now go, that I take it to be my considerable loss when sickness keepeth me away. And who can bind me to my loss? If a stranger give now and then a peevish ignorant flirt at such as differ from him (as those called Arminians, and some others use to do), I am not so thin-skinned as thereby to smart; nor so foolish as to raise a stir by talking against it, which by taking no notice, will go out like a Squib, which the City-Engines need not be fetched to quench. Ignorant Preachers must have some forbearance in their Self-conceitedness and petulant Temerity, of what Sect or Faction soever they be, Conformists or Nonconformists.

I. I do it much for my own Edification: And who can prove my Edification unlawful? There is so sound judicious preaching in my Parish-Church where I now go, that I take it to be my considerable loss when sickness keepeth me away. And who can bind me to my loss? If a stranger give now and then a peevish ignorant flirt at such as differ from him (as those called Arminians, and some others use to do), I am not so thin-skin'd as thereby to smart; nor so foolish as to raise a stir by talking against it, which by taking no notice, will go out like a Squib, which the City-Engines need not be fetcht to quench. Ignorant Preachers must have some forbearance in their Self-conceitedness and petulent Temerity, of what Sect or Faction soever they be, Conformists or Nonconformists.

II. I do it much to go as far in National Concord in Religion, as possibly I can, and for the avoiding all that makes against it. The foresaid Book, [The whole Duty of Nations] will convince any impartial capable Reader, of what great Duty and Advantage National Countenance and Concord is to the interest of Religion. And though it bring in multitudes of Hypocrites, God makes some use for the Church of such: I would ask the Dissenters but two Questions; 1. Would you not wish the prosperity of the Church your Selves; and that all Power and Laws promoted Godliness and true Reformation? No doubt you wish it: And would not that bring in multitudes of Hypocrites? They are like Vermin and Flies, who swarm most in the warmest Seasons.